Quito's Swissôtel isn't a beauty from the outside and isn't exemplary on the inside either for that matter, but is still suitably elegant and impressive: vast halls of polished marble, shiny brass, twinkling chandeliers and the largest arrangements of roses you're ever likely to encounter.

The hotel's rooms are sophisticated for Quito, boasting warm colors, earth tones and thick carpets. They have ample beds and plenty of amenities, including coffee–makers, large TVs, safety deposit boxes, irons and ironing boards, bathrobes, plus wireless internet (for which there's a hefty extra charge if you're not on the Executive level). Over one third of the rooms here are a step up from standards. Junior Suites are larger, with room for good–sized desks and table and chairs for meeting or dining. The bathrooms in these also have wardrobe space, which the basic rooms lack. Several higher suite classes are available, with the top choices being the two Presidential Suites, both bigger than most entire apartments in town.

The Swissôtel's swimming pool and spa services are regarded as the best in the city. They are reached through an appealing glassed–in patio. The pool itself is fine, although somehow lacking in character. The spa however, redone in 2002, is another matter. It's atmospheric and suave, boasting no less than 80 treatments in all, including a surprising Alpine offering in a recreation log cabin complete with hay–strewn floor.

Justifiably for a hotel of this category and size, Quito's Swissôtel has four restaurants spread over various floors. There's also a perennially popular café, which is mainly used for breakfasts, but still patronized throughout the day. The other offerings include one of the capital's finest sushi restaurants, Tanoshii, the French Le Gourmet, the steakhouse Prime Rob and the Swiss Les Alpes. All rank highly in Quito's gourmet rankings, and by international standards are excellent value. When they have regular special offers, then they're a steal by anyone's standards. Stepping out, the advantage of the hotel is that it's located in Quito's finest dining district with half–a–dozen excellent restaurants within a few blocks.

The package is tied up with about a dozen art, jewelry, souvenir and lifestyle boutiques, three rooms for the handicapped, limo and shuttle service, plus another block which houses over 40 fully–equipped and furnished long–stay executive apartments.

Good location, exemplary service, comfortable rooms, great spa, fine dining and a decent price tag considering the offerings make the Swissôtel hard to beat. If you want to be avoid any surprises and like to have the standard international hotel offerings in a contemporary setting, then this is the Quito hotel for you.


Web Address: www.swissotel.com/quito/
Total Number of Rooms: 277
Published rates: $155 to $750

Review by Dominic Hamilton, photos courtesy of Swissotel Quito.